Ripon and Worcester previews: Silvanus primed for repeat success
Published:
David Metcalf | August 30, 2016
Silvanus weighted to shine at Ripon
Silvanus was a massive eye-catcher last time out and can capitalise on a drop in the weights to land back-to-back runnings of the 5f David Chapman Memorial Handicap on this evening’s card at Ripon (18.45).
The Paul Midgley trained 11-year-old has been a terrific servant over the years, winning 15 of his 100 starts and finishing in the frame on 22 occasions.
In the last of those victories 12 months ago, Silvanus kept on strongly to beat Lexington Place by a length in this contest off a mark of 94.
The veteran has also posted some solid efforts to make the frame this season, including when third at Thirsk off 95 and is now able to race off a reducing rating of just 85.
That is 9lb lower than triumphant in last year’s renewal and Silvanus comes into the race having hinted that his time was near, when a two length fourth at Thirsk when getting no luck in-running.
The gelding was dropped in by jockey Paul Mulrennan after breaking well before being constantly denied a run when trying to make a move a furlong out, and finishing the race with plenty of petrol left in the tank.
Silva can Eclipse rivals
Silva Eclipse has shown improved form since going handicapping and can defy a further rise in the weights to land the hat-trick in the 2m contest earlier on the card (18.15).
The Jedd O’Keefe trained grey got off the mark at the fourth time of asking when only having to be ridden out to beat Palisade by 1 3/4 lengths at Carlisle and the runner-up has won three times since.
Silva Eclipse then overcame trouble in-running to beat Mystique Heights by a neck at the same venue last month.
The three-year-old was value for more than the winning margin and the runner-up and fourth home Clear Evidence have both scored twice since.
That gives the form a strong look and suggests a 6lb rise in the weights may well be on the lenient side.
Silva Eclipse also remains unexposed and open to further improvement after just five starts, and the booking of Paul Mulrennan to do the steering is another plus, as he has a 33 per cent strike rate when teaming up with the stable in the last 12 months.
Ripon selections:
17.15: Dawoodi
17.45: Lou’s Diamond
18.15: Silva Eclipse (NB)
18.45: Silvanus (NAP)
19.15: Rural Celebration
19.45: Warp Factor
It’s time to Play The Ace at Worcester
Play The Ace created a huge impression when winning last time out and can make light of a rise in the weights to follow-up in the 2m 7f handicap chase that gets proceedings underway on this evening’s card at Worcester (16.25).
The Peter Bowen trained gelding is a prolific point winner who got back to winning ways under rules when slamming the well-treated Hepijeu by six lengths at Stratford.
Play The Ace tracked the leaders until taking up the running at the 10th to saunter clear and score with any amount in hand.
The seven-year-old scored in the manner of a young staying chaser who needed keeping firmly onside and a 9lb rise to a rating of 118 could seriously underestimate his ability.
Other pluses are that the stable is in good form and has a decent strike rate at the track and, with Sean Bowen once again in the saddle, Play The Ace can take this en route to better things.
Owen Na View poised to go one better
Owen Na View ran a stormer when runner-up last time out and can make the most of what looks a nice opening to go one better and land the spoils in the 2m handicap chase (17.00).
The Fergal O’Brien trained eight-year-old got back to winnings ways at Perth back in April and bounced back from some subsequent below par efforts when finding only Kings Wharf three lengths too good in a decent 10-runner handicap at Killarney.
Owen Na View took up the running at the second and only got headed on the run-in by an extremely well handicapped and in-from rival who was completing a hat-trick.
It was a terrific effort and the pair pulled 12 lengths clear of the third home to give the form a rock solid look.
This class 3 contest represents a slight ease in grade and, if turning up in the same form, Owen Na View is going to be tough to beat.
Worcester selections
16.25: Play The Ace (NAP)
17.00: Owen Na View (NB)
17.30: Aristocles
18.00: Tour De Ville
18.30: Miss Sassypants
19.00: Moonday Sun
19.30: Nice Thoughts
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